BNP leader says no real reform possible without representatives and a proper democratic structure through polls
Speaking at a discussion today, titled 'July Uprising: Expectation and Achievement at the Jatiya Press Club,' marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising that led to the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, he criticised those who think reforms can happen overnight or just through a few meetings.
"Reform must be carried out through a process. It is a continuous process," he said, calling the expectation of an overnight reform 'unrealistic', reports Daily Star.
The BNP leader lambasted the existing bureaucracy for holding back the country's development.
"Our bureaucracy is a major obstacle to development. It is a negative bureaucracy and must be turned into a positive one. To do that, we mainly need to involve the people in the process."
He further slammed the current state of politics and said 'The country is now in a complete mess. Some political parties are talking about proportional representation in elections through PR systems, which has nothing to do with the people of Bangladesh.
"Ordinary people don't even understand what proportional representation is. Ask them, and they won't be able to answer. People only know that their party will nominate a candidate, and they will vote for that person."
Stating that the nation is going through a critical time, he added "We are waiting for a democratic transition that will ensure political and economic welfare for the people."
The BNP leader said political parties should focus on returning to the people, learning about their needs and reflecting those needs in running the country.
Referring to the criticism BNP faces for demanding elections, he stated "As soon as we started talking about the election, they began saying BNP only wants polls. But has anyone thought about why do we want the election?"
He explained that without elections, true public representatives cannot be chosen.
"And without representatives, how can they go to Parliament? And if there is no elected Parliament, how can people's rule be established?"
"You cannot just hire a few people from home and abroad to run a country. It's not possible," concluding his remarks.
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